Internet Dating for Beginners

There are many online dating sites, all of them require you to be at least 18 years of age. The two that I really liked, were Match and Yahoo Personals. Match is probably the largest online dating site ever, it allows you to create a profile, and search for other profiles for free. You can also send winks (basically a notification that you like someone's profile) to other people for free. In order to actually send emails to other users, you need to be subscribed, which costs a small monthly fee (this can range from $9.99 to $29.99 depending on the site).

When you make your profile, make sure your being honest, because if you meet in person with someone, and they find out some of your information was duped, the sight won't be a pretty one. A lot of the dating sites have an option to add a picture of you. If your planning on doing this, have a good quality camera (preferably a digital camera unless you have a scanner). Ask a friend or family member to take a few shots of you in a well lit room. Make sure the background is ok, and wear something that you usually wear (no tuxedos or anything). A picture is worth a thousand words, so don't blow it! Also, other things that you probably shouldn't do are make a kiss with your lips, be topless, etc. Also, make sure to smile, you don't want them staring at Hannibal Lecter!

If you're not looking into making a profile, and all of that, there is another option to online dating. It is the option of joining a chat room, a cyberspace, where you can meet other people and talk to them live. Chat rooms provide an excellent way to convey your personality, with someone you would probably not have met in person. If you're going to chat, make sure you have a clean looking font you're using. If there's a picture icon or anything, follow the tips above. Ask about the person; make sure your not doing all the talking. Don't get into grey areas such as politics, etc.

One thing to remember is that online dating can be risky too. If you're joining a site such as Match, chances are that you're probably safe. But online chatting can be very risky. Make sure to consult your parents about it, and don't do anything stupid like give away your address, and phone number the instant you meet someone. If someone asks for it, just tell them straight up, let's wait a bit!

You can create a profile on Match

If you're adding a picture make sure it's good.

Don't lie on your profile.

Don't chat about things such as politics.

Make sure your not doing all the talking.

Play it safe with chat rooms, use common sense.

About the Author

Jon k. hewitt is 27 years old and lives in Portland, Oregon, webprogrammer and web designer, owner of Online dating Website.